This season is uber-critical

So why such a dramatic headline? Because San Jose State University needs at least 15 wins (actually a few more are needed) in 2016-17 to facilitate getting into the good graces of higher level recruits, especially a number of local and regional prospects.

Look at who has visited and/or been offered:

6-foot-1 2020 guard Robby Beasley of Dublin High

6-foot-5 2019 wing Deon Stroud of San Joaquin Memorial

6-foot-7 2018 forward Mason Forbes of Folsom High

6-foot-2 2018 guard Elijah Hardy of Bishop O'Dowd

6-foot-7 2018 Andre Kelly of Lincoln High (Stockton)

5-foot-10 2018 guard James Akinjo of Salesian High

Then there is 6-foot-2 2018 guard Jake Wojcik of Bellarmine

As well as 6-foot-2 2018 guard Logan Johnson of St. Francis

Some of these young men will get too big and become national recruits but others here will remain sign-able. However, that will take a winning program, one not just on the rise. 17 or 18 wins followed by 20 the following season will be a must.

Spartan recruiting has shifted from just a couple of years ago. Now, it's California-centric, especially so in northern California. Scholarship cost is now a consideration. Plus, the signing of Keith Fisher out of Los Angeles has hopefully opened some doors back up that were previously nailed shut.